My name is Victor Joseph. I am originally from Thursday Island and lived at St Paul’s Community in the latter part of my life for 15 years. I commenced working at Wontulp-Bi-Buya College in the capacity as ‘Acting Principal’ in 2008 and have continued in this position from 2009 and then as the College Principal. Twelve years later, I am still working and contributing to this College with my God-Given abilities, skills and strengths. I am from the Torres Strait however I acknowledge my Polynesian, Melanesian, Torres Strait, Malaysian and Aboriginal ancestry (Wuthathi). My totems are the coconut climbing crab, the Womer (frigate bird), Galbol (whale), Serar (pigeon), Tabo (snake) and Yama (diamond stingray).
Galangoor Djali (Good Day). My name is Davena Monro and I am a proud Butchulla and Garawa Woman, which connects me to my Grandmother’s Country in the Wide Bay Region and my Grandfather’s Country in the Gulf of Carpentaria. 2020 is my 10th year with Wontulp-Bi-Buya College and still to this day, I feel so very blessed to be working with my people in this space. It was truly a step of faith to relocate myself and my younger sons over a thousand miles away from our Country and loved ones. However, in this time, I believe I have grown both in Spirit and in the natural and added to the skillsets and abilities I first brought to Wontulp-Bi-Buya College. For over 30 years, I have been involved in training, education and the development of systems and structures. With the support of Wontulp-Bi-Buya College’s professional development opportunities, I was successful in obtaining my Master of Education and am currently undertaking a PhD. in the area of Cultural Appropriate Systems and Structures. It is with my knowledge collected along the way, which has created in me a deeper passion for searching for ways to implement culturally appropriate training and policies. In completing my research study, I hope to continue my journey with Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, to contribute to building and strengthening better services for the future education of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait People within this nation.
I’ve been with Wontulp-Bi-Buya College for 5 years, as a working physicist and parish minister. My doctoral degree focuses on the history of the relationship of Theology and Science and the Holy Spirit. I continue to contribute to the theology and science dialogue. I also have a master’s degree in Physics, as well as other degrees in Arts, Theology and Science. I am interested in how to describe the Christian faith and spirituality in ways that work with different cultures. Working with the students God calls to study at Wontulp-Bi-Buya College continues to be a delight that I never imagined. The greatest treasure is seeing people gain confidence and begin to grow as leaders in their communities, as they become all that God calls them to be.
I am currently the College Trainer for Wontulp-Bi-Buya College in the Cert IV Indigenous Mental Health (Social and Emotional Wellbeing). I am also studying for Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and I have over 25 years’ experience working in the indigenous mental health and social and emotional wellbeing space.
I am Eddie Turpin from the Atherton Tableland. I commenced working at Wontulp-Bi-Buya College in 2009 as the College Trainer of the Certificate III in Addictions Management & Community Development 10595NAT. Motivated by the plights of my people, I strive to become an outstanding and effective Teacher in our Indigenous society, with the definitive goal to be a leader in Spiritual and Community Development.
My name is Damian Harper. I am originally from Brisbane but have lived in Cairns since 1977. I am a contract bookkeeper and have been the College’s bookkeeper since November 2017. I am a member of the Cairns Family Church and my role is a Board Member – Treasurer and Church Elder. What I like most about Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, is the unity I see everywhere. The Board, the staff and the students are all from very different backgrounds and Church affiliations, yet everyone works toward the goal of delivering quality training in important life lessons and knowledge. 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
© Wontulp-Bi-Buya College 2023
